Don’t worry world! We always support watching documentaries legally and many of the films we recommend on Influence Film Club are available where you live too. We suggest using your preferred method for watching a film – such as searching iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, VOD platforms (video-on-demand), or renting/buying a DVD.

Jiro Dreams Of Sushi

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is a thoughtful and elegant meditation on work, family, and the art of perfection, chronicling Jiro Ono’s life as both an unparalleled success in the culinary world and as a loving yet complicated father.

Director: David Gelb
Year: 2011
Time: 81 min

Watch the Film

Download Discussion Guide

Ways to Influence

Share this film so that others can enjoy and be inspired by the story of sushi chef Jiro Ono.

Learnthe history of sushi, from it’s inception in the 4th century to the innovative approach of Jiro Ono. Do some research to learn about the training it takes to become a Master Japanese Sushi Chef and what attributes are necessary to earn this title.

Appreciatethe craftsmanship the next time you go out for sushi and try to view it not only as something delicious to eat but also as “food art” and craft.

Consider whether you have a particular passion or skill that you would like to master. If so, come up with a plan for how to start focusing on the things you love. If not, there are plenty of artists and craftsmen you can help support.

Interview Magazine: David Gelb’s Tokyo Story

“The first few days, I didn’t even bring a camera. I wanted to just watch and observe, and meet the people they work with in the fish market.… My goal was to kind of embed myself into their routine as much as possible without influencing what they were doing in any way.”

Gelb discusses his unusual subject, how to make a film mouthwatering, and whether, after spending months with Jiro Ono, he’s been ruined for American sushi. Check out Interview Magazine.

How Bluefin Tuna Became a Million-Dollar Fish

Eater interview with Director David Gelb

David Gelb talks about how the project came about, his relationships with subjects Jiro Ono and Yoshikazu, and how the human element — the story — makes the film something more than just a piece of food porn.

Work, Identity, and the Elasticity of Dreams

What does it take to become a Japanese master sushi chef?

HOW TO EAT SUSHI

As with many culinary traditions, there is a correct way to order and eat sushi.

Here’s your guide, filled with both etiquette and technique tips. It tells you how to order at a sushi bar, how to actually eat the various pieces, how to talk to the chef, and the truth about soy sauce and wasabi.

The History of Sushi

“As with many ancient foods, the history of sushi is surrounded by legends and folklore. In one Japanese wives’ tale, an elderly woman began hiding pots of rice in osprey nests, which fermented and got mixed with fish scraps.… While it’s a cute story, the true origins of sushi are somewhat more mysterious.”